I was able to leave my bed three days later.
I hadn't seen Ryker since he was in my room the other night and confirmed the fact that he had saved and bit me that night. As I sit at the mahogany table, still without him in sight, I flip through the pages of The Stars and the Light They Create. I'd read this book twice before but I'd still added notes to it. As an immortal being, Ryker was patient with my progress. Barely forcing me to study and provide him with ways to enhance his power through the celestial world. Maybe this was just a hobby for him after all. Whether I'd find the answer or not, he'd gain enjoyment from me tearing my mind apart to find a clue and fear being killed if I didn't.
I sip the camomile tea from the dainty porcelain in my other hand. Once the food was served and the maids headed to bed, I'd opened all the curtains for as much daylight to come in. Being on the ground floor, the majority of the windows were covered by forest bush. It still lightened up the gothic scene as much as it could.
A knock comes from the door.
I stop mid sip, waiting to hear more. Nothing comes and I carry on. An accident?
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Okay, not an accident. I don't remember ever receiving visitors or having to open the door.
I walk cautiously to the main foyer. A shadow falls under the slit of the grand doors. The porch creaks with the person's weight.
"Excuse me? Anyone home?" A cheery voice calls out.
I wipe down the front of my bronze, spring dress made up of lace and pleats of black silk. I'd thrown my blonde waves into a bun with a silver pin, never having expected any guests.
I open the door and a man shorter than my size stands before me. He's dressed in a frilly, brown robe and a dress shirt that's unbuttoned a few rows down where more lace spills out. His cherub face is red and his dark hair is matted against his forehead. My eyes rake down his frame and I'm met with the disastrous sight of suede, forest green pants.
"Ah-hah! A person!" He cheers.
He bows to me at the hip and I'm too stunned to give a curtsy in return. The act doesn't even cross his mind as he buzzes in front of me.
"My name is Geralt Lavington, the astounding head author of the Tulip Times. Are you free for an interview?"
I blink down at him.
"Uh…" I see past his frame and notice that he has arrived in an automobile. One that was once polished and now spattered with mud marks.
He turns around and chuckles. "Ah yes, a purchase I made when I was compensated healthily for the cover of the Food Poisoning Affair."
I only stare blankly as he awaits for my excitement, but I'd been so far behind on any gossip. He clears his throat.
"I'm sure you've read it. Anyway! I'm here to collect notes of the mysterious vanishing of Deidre Elyndra. Very scandalous."
"Deidre?" I say in shock.
"Ah, you know her!"
I shut the door behind me and lift my skirts up to cross the yard.
"Take me into town."
He staggers after me. "You know her?"
"Give me a ride and we'll see."
I need to get out of this damn mansion and away from the death of the forest.
The passenger seat was comfy and made of refined leather. A large steam engine sat in the middle and tooted when Geralt started the engine up. The large spin wheels rotated and we were turned around to sputter down the makeshift dirt road. At this speed, we would be into town within an hour's time. Geralt fiddled around with some gears and buttons, smiling virtuously at his find. He must be good at his job if he manages to find the right people to speak with.
"What is your name?" He offers.
"I am Asha Clair." I manage to lie.
"How long have you been a writer for?" I quickly ask to avoid a follow up.
"Most of my life, really. The milk maids gave me plenty of highland gossip to feed me for the day. By the time I was thirteen, I'd known everyone and their business."
"Interesting."
"Oh yes, very interesting. It got me into all sorts of trouble. I was always hiding out in wash houses and stranger's kitchens to get the latest talk."
"And now you write for the Tulip Times?"
"It's my fourteenth week being the front page news story." He smiles virtuously.
Before I can get another word out, Geralt speaks again. Professionally siding the conversation back to his needs.
"And now I'm hoping to be the lead cover for Deidre Elyndra."
My shoulders stiffen and I stay silent, calculating my next words. Not that there was much to say, but I needed a way to get into town.
I pretend to brush away a stray tear. "I cannot believe my dear friend Deidre is missing."
"I certainly don't mean to make you cry, Miss Clair. The parents said Deidre was invited to attend the annual vampire Blood Ball and never came back. They're very upset."
He leans in closer to me and speaks curiously to me. "I'm led to believe you may have been in attendance?"
He raises a thick brow and I can't help but nod.
"Yes, I was indeed there. I have an inkling that the blood that was drunk was poisoned in some way." I say truthfully.
Geralt hums in agreement. With no notepad or typewriter in sight, he must have a good memory.
"I also heard the same thing. A vampiric connection I have is convinced it was a revolt against the historic laws in their world."
"I see…" It connects to the loose vampire who tried to kill me.
"And poor Deidre has been caught in the crossfire. You know of her dealings, correct?"
Dealings? Did she have another reason to be at the party?
"I, uh, do not wish to tarnish my friend." I pretend to say sadly.
"Of course, of course. I am only confirming the details to…ease the minds of the parents." He answers cunningly. He should have been a salesman.
"She did mention to me about sealing a marriage to ensure the dealing…was in order."
He widens his eyes. "Now that is new. Tell me more."
"W-well, the man she described did sound like a vampire."
"Marriage to a vampire. That will certainly gain readers." He slips.
I could tell you all about vampire marriages, I say in my mind.
I pretend to sniffle and urge for a break to clear my head. Given my 'new information' and lies, Geralt is more than happy to do so. I use the time to think of the questions and answers I'll need.